AI Redefining Societies
Antti Rannisto, Insight Lead, Solita and Tuukka Lehtiniemi, University Researcher, The Datafied Life Collaboratory at University of Helsinki
Overview
This salon explores the challenges and tensions involved in automating societies, especially public services, government, and civil society.
Inspired by Tamar Sharon’s concept of ‘sphere transgressions’, we will explore the way digitization and AI technologies are permeating all societal spheres and institutions, championed as solutions to virtually every social problem. Like the process of marketization, this expansion brings the very specific values of technology design and development into other domains, where they become dominant at the expense of other values, logics, practices and types of expertise. Market and platform dominance amplify the extraordinary powers of sphere transgression.
Participants use ‘sphere transgression’ framework and their own experiences and expertise to illuminate societal effects of AI in public life. Where and how is AI creating positive synergy with public values, and where does it threaten the intelligences of different social spaces, practices, and systems? We will use these insights to develop practical strategies that can mitigate or improve the way AI integration is reformulating public services and institutions.
References for Salon Participants
- Sharon, T. (2023). Towards a Theory of Justice for the Digital Age. In Defense of Sphere and Value Pluralism. Radboud University. https://repository.ubn.ru.nl/handle/2066/300467
- Sharon, T. Sphere Transgression by Tech Giants. Keynote Address, Public Spaces Conference, May 17, 2022.https://conference.publicspaces.net/en/session/keynote-bu.
What Is a Salon?
In Salons, we gather in smaller groups to build collective intelligence about pressing or emerging topics. Hosts set the stage with key points and provocations, then participants drive the discussion, sharing diverse expertise and experiences. We come away with deeper understanding, new strategies and tactics for our work, and a wonderful network of thought partners.